Also called Chien de Saint-Hubert, St. Hubert Hound, Sleuth-hound
Recognised breedFCI group 6Deep profile
From Belgium, where monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in the Ardennes developed the ancestral hounds. The modern breed was largely shaped in Britain, where it was established before 1300.1234
FCI gives 46-54 kg for males and 40-48 kg for females. The AKC standard gives mean weights of 90 lb (about 41 kg) for dogs and 80 lb (about 36 kg) for bitches, with dogs reaching up to 110 lb (50 kg) and bitches up to 100 lb (45 kg). VCA gives 80-110 lb for the breed.
The biggest and most powerfully built of the scent hounds, with a long, deep body and strong bone. Its signature feature is the thin, supple skin that hangs in deep folds around the head and neck, framing a solemn, noble face with long, low-set, velvety ears. The short coat is dense and fairly harsh, made to cope with all weather. On the move it has a steady, springy, slightly rolling trot that it can keep up for hours.152
At home the Bloodhound is calm, kind and affectionate, easygoing with people and generally friendly with other dogs and pets. It can be a little reserved and has an independent, patient streak, so once it picks up a scent it tends to follow its nose with great determination. It is sensitive to its owner's tone and responds best to gentle, reward-based training, especially with food. The FCI standard sums it up as gentle, sociable and never aggressive.15764
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs plenty of time outdoors. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, while VCA notes that at home it is a calm dog that enjoys long, sniffing walks more than fast running. Scent games, tracking and man-trailing are ideal outlets. Keep it on a lead or in a securely fenced area, because a good scent will outweigh any recall.26
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat only needs brushing about once a week, though it sheds regularly. Daily care focuses on wiping the facial folds and mouth area, as the breed drools a lot, and keeping the long ears clean and dry.26
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a home with space, ideally in the country with a large, securely fenced garden. It copes with cold weather better than heat.26
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced diet for a large breed, with portions adjusted to keep it lean. Puppies do well on a large-breed growth formula.6
Company who they like around
Enjoys company and usually gets on well with visitors, children, other dogs and pets. Its pack-hound background means it tends to relax around other dogs, and it often enjoys dog parks.654
The story where it all began
The breed traces back to the hounds kept by monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in the Belgian Ardennes, named after the patron saint of hunters. Wikipedia places the development of the strain around AD 1000, and the FCI links it to black and black-and-tan pack hounds of the 7th century. From about 1200 the abbey sent a few pairs of its black hounds to the King of France every year. Hounds of this type reached England, where the FCI credits William the Conqueror with bringing them in the 11th century, although Wikipedia notes that link is disputed, and the breed was established in Britain before 1300. There they hunted deer and boar, and in Scotland they were known as sleuth-hounds, used to follow raiders and cattle thieves into the 1600s. By the end of Louis XIV's reign in 1715 the hounds had become rare in France, and in the 19th century French enthusiasts imported British Bloodhounds to rebuild the St. Hubert line. English breeder Edwin Brough showed hounds at the Westminster show in 1888, which helped spark imports to the United States, and the AKC had already recognised the breed in 1885. In the 20th century the Bloodhound became famous as a trailing dog for police and search teams, finding missing people and following trails that were days old.13248
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
A Bloodhound named Tigger holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ears on a dog ever: 34.9 cm on the right and 34.2 cm on the left, verified on 29 September 2004.9
2
Trumpet, registered as GCHB CH Flessner's Toot My Own Horn, became the first Bloodhound ever to win Best in Show at Westminster in 2022.10
3
A famous Kentucky Bloodhound called Nick Carter, born in 1900, is credited with more than 650 finds, including one trail that was about 12 days old.4
4
From around the year 1200, the monks of Saint-Hubert sent several pairs of black hounds to the French king every year as a gift.4
5
The name may not be about blood at all: one reading is 'hound of pure, noble blood', while an older one is 'hound for blood', meaning a dog that follows the trail of wounded game.4
6
Scent hounds like the Bloodhound can have close to 300 million scent receptors.4
7
In some courts, a Bloodhound's identification of a person has been accepted as evidence.4
8
Despite its long history in Britain, The Royal Kennel Club lists the Bloodhound as a vulnerable native breed.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed's name derives not from any notion of bloodthirstiness or aggression but from its 'blooded' (meaning aristocratic) ancestry, referring to its pure and ancient lineage.11
Famous ones stars of the breed
Gauge A bloodhound who set a world record for the longest scent trail, tracking a missing person for over 130 miles.11
Trusty The bloodhound from Disney's 1955 animated film 'Lady and the Tramp' who is a loyal friend to the main characters.4
McGruff the Crime Dog A cartoon bloodhound used as a mascot by the National Crime Prevention Council since 1980 to promote safety.4
I start my day with a big yawn and a slobbery kiss. After breakfast, we head out for a long sniffing walk; my nose leads the way through fields and woods. I find an old scent and follow it with joy, your voice encouraging me. Back home, I flop on the cool floor, ears spread wide. In the afternoon, we play a tracking game in the yard, and I find a hidden toy. Evening is for cuddles, my head on your lap, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 84 (Chien de Saint-Hubert), Group 6 Scent hounds and related breeds, Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds; country of origin Belgium; standard published 12.07.2002.1
AKC
Hound Group, recognised in 1885. Current standard approved 9 January 1996, effective 29 February 1996.8
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group, large size class; listed as a vulnerable native breed.2
Popularity Ranked 59th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bloodhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bloodhound, and at what times?
Feed your Bloodhound at least two meals a day, as VCA recommends for adult dogs. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet to keep your dog lean.613
What should a Bloodhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced diet for large breeds, with a large-breed growth formula for puppies. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as listed by ASPCA.614
How often should I bathe a Bloodhound?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if needed, following general guidance of at least every three months. Focus on keeping facial folds and ears clean and dry daily.2615Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Bloodhound need brushing?
Brush your Bloodhound's short coat about once a week, as recommended by the Royal Kennel Club and VCA. This helps manage regular shedding and keeps the coat healthy.26Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Bloodhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, as per Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or groomer for guidance if unsure.15Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Bloodhound need?
Your Bloodhound needs more than two hours of exercise daily, according to the Royal Kennel Club, with long sniffing walks and scent games ideal. Always keep it on a lead or in a secure area, as it follows its nose.26
How do I look after a Bloodhound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and keep them clean and dry, as floppy ears trap moisture, and never push anything into the ear canal.2615Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Bloodhound live?
A Bloodhound typically lives 7 to 10 years, according to VCA, the Royal Kennel Club, and Wikipedia. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet check-ups become even more important then.624Pet Wiki plan
Is a Bloodhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Bloodhound is calm, kind, and affectionate with people, and generally friendly with other dogs and pets. It is gentle and sociable, never aggressive, and enjoys company, including children and visitors.15764
Can a Bloodhound be left alone?
Bloodhounds enjoy company and can become lonely if left alone for long periods. It varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your dog's specific needs.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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